Knight-Hennessy Scholars develops a community of future global leaders to address complex challenges through collaboration and innovation.  Every year, up to 100 high-achieving students from around the world will receive full funding to pursue any graduate degree at Stanford, including the JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MS and PhD programs, as well as all joint-and dual-degrees. Knight-Hennessy Scholars is the largest fully endowed scholars program in the world.

Knight-Hennessy allows an optional endorsement letter from Cornell to accompany your application. It is NOT required and most applications are submitted without one. We do not run an endorsement selection process. If you would like to discuss the possibility of having an endorsement letter written on your behalf, contact the Knight-Hennessy advisor, Clare Jones, ckj23@cornell.edu. Though the application does not require an endorsement,  applicants are encouraged to discuss their application with the Knight-Hennessy fellowships adviser, Clare Jones. 

National deadline 2025: October 8, 1PM Pacific Time

Each year the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program will identify a group of 100 high-achieving students from around the world with demonstrated leadership and civic commitment to receive full funding to pursue a wide-ranging graduate education at Stanford, with the goal of developing a new generation of global leaders. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars is the largest fully endowed scholars program in the world.

Interested Cornell applicants should carefully read the detailed information provided on the official Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program website.

Applications should be submitted directly via the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program website. The application system opens in early May.

Applicants must apply separately to the specific Stanford graduate degree program they want to enter. Applicants cannot be selected as Knight-Hennessy scholars unless they are admitted by the department (however, departments may freely admit applicants who are not selected as Knight-Hennessy Scholars).